A true conservative, a Christian, and a Tennessean, I hope to contribute my two-cents on politics, policy issues, life, and sports.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Ford Votes Against Building More Oil Refineries

The National Republican Senatorial Committee published the following release yesterday:

Harold Ford Jr. Votes Against Easing Refinery Regulations

WASHINGTON—The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) issued the following statement after Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. (D-TN) voted against a House bill that would streamline the application process for companies to build refineries in the United States:

“Harold Ford and his fellow Democrats had the opportunity to help lower the price of gas and improve our energy infrastructure, but instead chose to come down on the side of red tape and environmentalists,” said Dan Ronayne, NRSC Spokesman. “Ford’s vote to help kill this important bill will cost Tennesseans at the pump.”

HR 5254, sponsored by Congressman Barton (R-TX) would have streamlined the application process for companies to build refineries in the United States. Under the plan, the president would designate new sites suitable for oil refineries and require the EPA to provide financial assistance to states to facilitate applications for refineries.

Economists and energy experts have long said that expanding refining capacity is crucial to lowering the cost of gas. Yet the construction of refineries has halted due to burdensome regulations.

On "Meet The Press," economist Jim Cramer summed up the situation: “We have 140 refineries in this country; we had 350 refineries 20 years ago. We have a huge refinery problem, and you can’t build them.” (Jim Cramer, Meet The Press, April 30, 2006).